Zoom MultiTrak R12 User manual

Operation Manual
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
©2022 ZOOM CORPORATION
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Notes about this Operation Manual
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Contents
Notes about this Operation Manual........................................................................................................................ 2
R12 overview................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Terms used in this manual........................................................................................................................................6
Functions of parts........................................................................................................................................................7
Connection example................................................................................................................................................. 12
Touchscreen display................................................................................................................................................. 13
Home Screen overview.............................................................................................................................................13
Control Bar overview................................................................................................................................................ 18
Touchscreen operation overview............................................................................................................................21
Making preparations.................................................................................................................................................24
Inserting microSD cards........................................................................................................................................... 24
Connecting output devices...................................................................................................................................... 25
Supplying power........................................................................................................................................................ 26
Turning the power on/off........................................................................................................................................ 28
Setting the date and time (first time starting up)................................................................................................30
Opening projects....................................................................................................................................................... 32
Creating new projects...............................................................................................................................................33
Opening projects....................................................................................................................................................... 38
Changing project settings........................................................................................................................................ 40
Opening the screen where various project settings can be made................................................................... 40
Changing project tempos.........................................................................................................................................41
Changing project time signatures...........................................................................................................................42
Setting the click (metronome)................................................................................................................................. 43
Setting tracks for output as MASTER and CLICK signals.....................................................................................47
Changing the snap setting.......................................................................................................................................49
Using the tuner..........................................................................................................................................................50
Selecting the tuner type...........................................................................................................................................51
Setting the standard pitch of the tuner................................................................................................................ 52
Using flat tunings...................................................................................................................................................... 52
Recording.................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Recording process..................................................................................................................................................... 53
Making input settings............................................................................................................................................... 54
Making track settings................................................................................................................................................63
Using effects...............................................................................................................................................................69
Editing patch memories........................................................................................................................................... 73
Recording.................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Using internal rhythm loops................................................................................................................................... 81
Using the synthesizer............................................................................................................................................... 84
Selecting the synth sound....................................................................................................................................... 84
Recording.................................................................................................................................................................... 86
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Playing projects......................................................................................................................................................... 87
Editing projects.......................................................................................................................................................... 89
Editing regions........................................................................................................................................................... 89
Editing waveforms (audio/rhythm regions).........................................................................................................105
Editing notes (synth regions).................................................................................................................................110
Editing tracks............................................................................................................................................................115
Using markers..........................................................................................................................................................121
Mixing projects........................................................................................................................................................ 127
Checking track levels.............................................................................................................................................. 127
Muting tracks........................................................................................................................................................... 128
Listening to selected tracks only (soloing).......................................................................................................... 129
Adjusting the volume..............................................................................................................................................130
Adjusting the panning, EQ and effects of tracks............................................................................................... 132
Mixing down.............................................................................................................................................................133
Managing projects...................................................................................................................................................134
Folder and file structure on microSD cards....................................................................................................... 134
Folder and file structure on USB flash drives.................................................................................................... 136
Opening the Project Option Menu.......................................................................................................................138
Changing project names........................................................................................................................................ 140
Duplicating projects................................................................................................................................................ 141
Checking project information................................................................................................................................142
Deleting projects......................................................................................................................................................143
Rendering projects as WAV files...........................................................................................................................144
Saving projects to USB flash drives..................................................................................................................... 146
Importing projects from USB flash drives...........................................................................................................147
Using as an audio interface.................................................................................................................................. 149
Installing drivers...................................................................................................................................................... 149
Connecting computers, smartphones and tablets............................................................................................ 150
Making audio interface settings........................................................................................................................... 153
Using as a control surface.....................................................................................................................................156
Enabling control surface use.................................................................................................................................156
Making DAW settings..............................................................................................................................................156
R12 functions........................................................................................................................................................... 157
Playing back projects in order (sequential play)................................................................................................158
Creating playlists..................................................................................................................................................... 158
Editing playlists........................................................................................................................................................ 161
Deleting playlists......................................................................................................................................................163
Changing playlist icon colors.................................................................................................................................164
Playing playlists........................................................................................................................................................165
Using Guitar Lab......................................................................................................................................................169
Connecting to a computer.....................................................................................................................................169
Using MIDI keyboards............................................................................................................................................ 172
Connecting MIDI keyboards.................................................................................................................................. 172
Setting the Auto Power Off function................................................................................................................... 173
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Setting the date and time..................................................................................................................................... 174
Setting the type of batteries used....................................................................................................................... 176
Adjusting the brightness of the touchscreen..................................................................................................... 177
Setting the touchscreen backlight........................................................................................................................178
Managing microSD cards....................................................................................................................................... 179
Checking microSD card information.................................................................................................................... 179
Testing microSD card performance..................................................................................................................... 180
Formatting microSD cards..................................................................................................................................... 182
Using as a card reader...........................................................................................................................................184
Restoring default setting values........................................................................................................................... 187
Managing the firmware..........................................................................................................................................189
Checking the firmware versions........................................................................................................................... 189
Updating....................................................................................................................................................................189
Appendix...................................................................................................................................................................190
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................................190
Block diagram.......................................................................................................................................................... 191
MIDI implementation chart................................................................................................................................... 192
Specifications........................................................................................................................................................... 193
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R12 overview
Terms used in this manual
Multitrack recorder (MTR)
A recorder that can record and play multiple tracks is called a multitrack recorder (MTR). The R12 can
simultaneously record up to 2 tracks and simultaneously play up to 8 tracks.
Project
The R12 manages recording and playback data for a single song in a unit called a project. The audio files
assigned to tracks and settings, including for panning and faders, are saved in project files. Up to 1000
projects can be created on a single card.
Region
The data from a single recording is managed for each track in units called regions. Regions for audio
recordings and rhythms are shown as waveforms while synthesizer regions are shown as performance
data (MIDI notes). Moreover, WAV and MIDI files on microSD cards and USB flash drives can be added as
regions.
Snapping
This function aligns regions to a grid when they are moved or edited. This enables editing to be conducted
efficiently.
MIDI file
This type of file contains MIDI performance data. The R12 can load MIDI files and add them as synth
regions.
Effect
A wide variety of effects can be applied to sounds, including distortion, chorus and reverb. By adjusting
effect parameters, you can create your own original sounds.
Patch memory
Patch memories store the effects used, their on/off states and parameter settings, allowing easy recall.
Effects are saved and recalled in units of patch memories. Up to 3 effects can be added to a patch memory,
and up to 50 patch memories can be stored.
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Functions of parts
Top
❶Touchscreen
This shows various types of information and is operated by touch.
❷PHONES volume knob
Use to adjust the headphone volume.
❸OUTPUT volume knob
This adjusts the OUTPUT volume.
❹BALANCE knob / CLICK switch
When the CLICK switch is set to PHONES, use the BALANCE knob to adjust the balance between the
MASTER and CLICK signals output from the PHONES jack.
❺Hi-Z switch
Turn Hi-Z on/off for INPUT 1. Turn this on as necessary for the connected guitar or bass.
❻Input PEAK indicators / GAIN knobs
Use the input GAIN knobs to adjust input signals. Adjust these so that the PEAK indicators do not light.
❼Channel/EFFECT/MASTER faders
Channel faders: These adjust individual track signal levels in a range from −∞ to +10 dB.
EFFECT fader: This adjusts the return level of the send effect in a range from －∞ to +10 dB.
MASTER fader: This adjusts the signal levels of the MASTER track, which is a stereo mix of the individual
tracks, in a range from −∞ to +10 dB.
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❽Other buttons
•
This turns the click (metronome) on/off. The indicator lights when it is on.
•
Press to skip back one bar. Press and hold to search backward.
•
Press to skip forward one bar. Press and hold to search forward.
•
Press this to stop recording and playback. Press when stopped to move the recording/playback
position to the beginning of the project.
•
Press to start/pause playback of recorded files. The indicator lights during playback.
•
Press to start recording. The indicator lights during recording.
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Bottom
❶Battery compartment cover
Open this when installing or removing AA batteries.
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Side
❶microSD card slot
This supports cards that meet microSDHC/microSDXC specifications.
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Back
❶INPUT 1–2 jacks
Connect mics, keyboards and guitars to these. These support XLR and 1/4-inch phone (unbalanced)
plugs.
❷OUTPUT jacks
Connect these to a power amplifier, a PA system or powered monitor speakers, for example.
❸PHONES output jack
Connect headphones here.
❹Power button
Press and hold this to turn on/off the R12 power.
When switched off, the current mixer settings are automatically saved in the R12 and in the settings file
in the project folder on the microSD card.
❺USB (Type-C) port
Using this, projects can be copied to and imported from USB flash drives. USB MIDI keyboards can also
be connected and used to play synth sounds.
Using a hub that supports the USB Power Delivery function, power can be supplied to the R12 while
using a USB flash drive or USB MIDI keyboard.

Connecting to a computer also makes the following possible.
• The R12 can be used as an audio interface.
• Guitar Lab can be used to replace R12 effects.
• The R12 can be used as a card reader.
• The R12 can be used as a DAW control surface.
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Connection example
This is an example of connections to record vocals and guitars.
❶Mics for lead and backing vocals, drums and other sound sources
Dynamic and condenser mics can be connected. When a condenser mic is connected, turn on phantom
power. (→ Enabling tracks for recording)
❷Guitars, basses and other instruments
When directly connecting a guitar or bass with passive pickups, use INPUT 1 and set to ON.
When connecting a guitar or bass with active pickups or through an effect, for example, to the R12, use
either INPUT 1 or 2. In this case, set to OFF when connecting to INPUT 1.
❸Headphones
❹Powered monitors
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Touchscreen display
The R12 touchscreen shows information necessary for operation. Tap and slide on the screen to conduct
various operations, including selecting, adjusting and editing.
This section explains various screens shown on the R12.
Home Screen overview
This appears on the touchscreen when the R12 power is turned on. The Home Screen has two views: Track
View and Level Meter View. Switch between them as needed during operation.
Track View Screen
This is the normal recording/editing screen.
Since recorded waveforms and their positions can be examined easily, this is useful for thinking about song
structure and editing.
❶Control Bar
This shows the recording/playback position and various buttons. See the Control Bar overview for
details.
❷Track Headers
These show track numbers and types. Tap this to select a track, highlighting it. Tracks armed for
recording are shown in red.
• – : Audio tracks
These show regions with recorded audio.
• : Rhythm track
This shows rhythm loop regions.
• : Synth track
This shows synth (MIDI data) regions.
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Slide the Track Headers right to open the mixer. When the mixer is open, slide the Track Headers left to
close it.
Use the mixer to check the mute (→ Muting tracks) and solo (→ Listening to selected tracks only
(soloing)) settings of each track.
❸Regions
Audio and rhythm regions are shown as waveforms while synthesizer regions are shown as notes.
See Editing regions for details about region operations, including moving, adding, deleting and dividing
them.
NOTE:
The maximum numbers of regions in a single project are as follows.
• Total number of audio and rhythm regions: 50
• Synth regions: 80
❹Tracks
These show regions.
The display can be changed by doing the following.
• Tap to zoom out on the timeline display. (This enables showing many bars at the same time.)
• Tap to zoom in on the timeline display. (This enables displaying more detail.)
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• Slide up, down, left or right to show tracks that were hidden and to change the part of the timeline
that is visible.
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Level Meter View Screen
This screen shows the level meters and faders for all tracks.
This screen makes observing the volume of all tracks easy, so it is useful for recording multiple channels
simultaneously and balancing the mix.
❶Control Bar
This shows the recording/playback position and various buttons. See the Control Bar overview for
details.
❷Input indicators
The show the input jack (1/2) track assignments.
❸Clipping indicators
These light red if input/playback signal levels are clipping after fader adjustment.
Pressing , starting recording or changing screens will clear these indicators.
❹Peak indicators
These retain the peak levels of input/playback signals for a set amount of time after fader adjustment.
❺Track level meters
These show the input/playback signal levels after fader adjustment.
❻Tracks
These show the track numbers.
Tap a track to open the Track Settings Screen
❼Track faders
These show the current fader position settings.
❽Track ghost faders
When the positions of physical faders and fader settings are different because the screen has been
switched, for example, these show the physical fader positions.
To change the fader setting value, move the fader on the unit to the current fader position. This will
cause it to reflect the unit fader position.
❾Phantom power indicator
When phantom power is on, this shows the input that is receiving it.
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❿MASTER fader and level meters
This shows the MASTER fader position and MASTER track levels.
⓫EFFECT fader and level meters
This shows the EFFECT fader position and EFFECT track levels.
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Control Bar overview
The control bar is shown at the top of the Track View and Level Meter View screens. Along with showing the
current bar position, tempo and time signature, other features include buttons for various settings.
Track View Screen Level Meter View Screen
❶ (Track View Screen only): Track Type Buttons
The selected track type can be switched.
• – : Audio tracks
• : Rhythm track
• : Synth track
(Level Meter View Screen only): Recording/playback time
This shows the time (in minutes and seconds) of the recording/playback position.
❷ Recording/playback bars and beats
This shows the bar and beat of the recording/playback position.
❸ Tempo and time signature
This shows the current tempo and time signature settings.
This can be tapped to open the Project Settings Screen.
❹ / Zoom in/out buttons
These change the magnification of the timeline display.
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• : Zoom in on the timeline display.
• : Zoom out on the timeline display.
❺Remaining battery charge (only when battery-powered)
When the remaining battery charge becomes low, replace the batteries (→ Installing batteries), or
connect the AC adapter (→ Connecting the AC adapter) or a mobile battery (→ Using other power
supplies).
❻Input selection button
This opens the Input Routing Screen where INPUT 1–2 jack input, phantom power on/off, and
compressor/limiter/gate settings can be made.
❼ Library button
• When the track type is – , this opens the Patch Memory Selection Screen.
• When the track type is , this opens the Rhythm Loop Selection Screen.
• When the track type is , this opens the Synth Type Selection Screen.
❽ Edit button
• When the track type is – or , this opens the Wave Editor Screen.
• When the track type is , this opens the Piano Roll Screen.
❾ UNDO/REDO button (Track View Screen only)
This undoes the last operation.
• : This undoes the last operation (UNDO function).
(When is shown, the UNDO function cannot be used.)
• : This redoes the undone operation. (REDO function)
NOTE:
UNDO/REDO can be used with the following functions.
Recording, changing region loop length, trimming/moving/deleting/pasting and splitting regions, swapping/
deleting tracks, audio/MIDI input
Mixdown button (Level Meter View Screen only)
Use this to mix down recordings.
❿Recording/playback position
This shows the recording/playback position During recording, it appears red.
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During playback, drag this horizontally to change the playback position.
⓫Screen Switching button
This switches between the Track View Screen and Level Meter View Screen.
• : This opens the Level Meter View Screen.
• : This opens the Track View Screen.
⓬ Marker button
This opens the Marker Menu.
⓭ Project Settings button
This opens the Project Settings Screen.
⓮Ruler
This shows bars, beats, the recording/playback position and markers.
Tap / to increase/decrease the magnification of the timeline.
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